Montreal keeping the playoff dreams alive.

Don't underestimate your enemy. I hope is something Merrit Paulsen learned last Saturday.
He decided to rest important players like De Rosario, Pontius and Boskovic that night because, I guess, substitutes are enough to beat an expansion team.

Well, obviously things didn't turn up as expected.

Bernier and Warner. Courtesy of impactmontreal.com 

Impact played another strong game at home. Montreal controlled the midfield while defenders were sharp all 90 min.

Again the Warner-Bernier duo was close to perfect, this allowed to have more presence in the midfield and create more chances overall.

We didn't start the game well.  Sometimes we seemed to be more concerned about not losing the game keeping a harmless, low paced possession. This reminded me when we played against TFC in the Canadian Championship -bad memories-. Later on, around minute 22, Bernier made a great accurate pass in the box to Di Vaio and goal!!

Great classy finishing by the Italian and yes, first shot of the game first goal. Deserved? Hard to tell because DC United didn't do much before that either. 

Montreal, again in the situation of do or die, didn't risk much in the attack focusing a lot on having a flawless defense and tying to preserve the lead at all cost. This style has benefited Montreal lately because our all-around midfielders can pretty much attack and defend at any time -thanks Jesse- and all of the sudden in the second half Collen Warner had a clear run for the ball in the box, after another top class pass from Bernier, but received a clear contact from the central defender getting the penalty shot called from the referee. This was probably a non-existent call in Serie A, but MLS has been consistent on this particular type of play and Hassun Camara or Matteo Ferrari know something about it. 

The rest of the game was an open 2-0 typical scenario where Montreal counter attacked a low paced DC United in several occasions and after three or four attempts the third goal arrived. Patrice Bernier, who outclassed the opponents all game, made a 70 meters run to kill Hamid with a shot to the near post. Thanks Patrice!, thanks.

These are some enjoyable times in Montreal, specially while the playoffs hopes are alive.

Now, the next opponent is the red hot Columbus Crew and Federico Higuain. I've been saying this before the game with San Jose and here I go again. If we win this match we have a great chance to make the playoffs.

Here are the highlights from the game.


 

Di Vaio scores and Montreal beat the leaders.

Quick magic passes, that made our night. That's why Felipe won the man of the match tonight because he was part of the magic touch on every goal. 

Felipe, big roll tonight. 

That is the difference between the games we dominated at the beginning of the season and the ones we dominate now, a nice chemistry based on quick passing. This has been gaining momentum and we all like what we see on the field.


What a relief for Di Vaio and for all of us, he finally scored! and in a good way. Left foot, keeping the ball low, hard shot to the second post. It's gonna be hard to forget, because all the team celebrated it like a championship and right after he scored he even pointed to my seat and the stadium chanted his name, unbelievable.  

Marco Di Vaio scored his first goal. Courtesy of impactmontreal.com

Now with Andrew Wenger back in the roster, Marsch can forget about the awful idea of Nyassi playing center forward, specially because he is a very decent winger in MLS and he showed it tonight. He is also a very good finisher when you have very few space to score, at least we've seen that in his last two goals. 


Nesta was good tonight, he fought every ball and showed his class all 90 minutes. Great partnership with Rivas who is quicker and anticipate better, leaving all the positioning on Sandro's side.


On the Red Bulls, I really think they did a bad decision trading Dane Richards. Tonight, Sebastian Letoux disappeared all game along with Solly and Lindpierre although Impact defense deserves a lot of credit this time for that.   


I still cant believe we have all this classy players in our team. Unfortunately our road to the playoffs, at this stage, is not easy and we need to win several matches in a row specially, this is the toughest part, we can't loose points on the road.

It's gonna be very interesting, but we also depend that teams like Columbus, Chicago and New England don't win their upcoming matches.

Alessandro Nesta and Thierry Henry. Courtesy of impactmontreal.com

This is what it feels being a Montreal Impact and MLS fan, lots of excitement until November. Is this what we all wanted?

401 Derby - Montreal vs Toronto - Impact needs small tweaks

It is frustrating to still wait for our first win in the league. It is something we have to deal with and a chapter we have to close as soon as possible. 

As I said in previous posts, Montreal is not playing bad football, unfortunately highlights don't show it, but Impact's midfield really looks good many times during a game and that is something I enjoy. 

Salt Lake is one of the most feared team in the league, especially at home and I expected my team, after losing two road games in a row, to play the counter attack and defend most of the game. This did not happen and this is why my first tweet after the game was: "wow my team has a hell of a character". Montreal played all game like a veteran team in the league with enough potential to play face to face the 2009 MLS Cup winners and 2011 Concacaf champions league finalists, sharing possession of the ball in half (51% vs 49%) allowing only 1 goal (penalty kick). 

It is all about the attitude and this is where I give lots of credit to Jessee Marsch. Good evidence of this is pulling one defender to add one forward in the last 15min, by the way I loved that. 

The problem comes when the team have the ball and don't have the means to score a goal. The first to blame is Justin Braun and the second is the blind faith the coach has on him. This kid, because his conditions, could be useful in a counter attack strategy but not if Montreal attacks as a block like they usually have done. Braun, unable to hold the ball in his feet, basically stopped every move going forward.

I also have doubts about the defensive positioning of our left back Josh Gardner. Two games in a row he's been caught giving opponent forwards lots of space to create and also being vulnerable to the first fake. This is something I would pay attention since having Tyson Wahl as option giving Shaver Thomas the chance to repeat in the lineup to start gaining confidence as well. 

Against Toronto, a team that has good offensive pace but currently not the best defense this would be my starting lineup. 

Ricketts - Brovsky - Ferrari - Thomas - Wahl - Arnaud - Bernier - Felipe - Warner - Mapp - Wegner.

This way Felipe can contribute more in the attack and double pivot Bernier-Warner would free up Mapp and Arnaud from defensive chores. 

I really like this rivalry, just the fact this red jersey guys are walking around in St-Catherine street with they attitude piss me off. Lets beat the reds and send them home!

See you guys tomorrow!

Montreal fans are being tested, We are ok!

Between bad referee calls, lack of finishing on the attack and silly errors on defense Montreal Impact fans are being tested on how to handle the start of this expansion season.   


Besides how frustrating can it be, Montreal is not playing bad football.


In this modern era of physical, fast and athletic football where results are more important than the game itself, the ability to create scoring opportunities as a priority has become one of the scarcest resources in the sport. 


Currently Montreal Impact is 2nd best in the league on Shots on Goal and Total Shots behind Sporting Kansas City which is the only team in MLS still unbeaten. The Impact (25 shots on goal) currently triples what Vancouver (7) or Toronto (7) have done and doubles Chivas USA (10) and Philadelphia (11) in the same category. This is pretty good! 


This make us appreciate what Jesse Marsch is doing. The coach is really building a personality in this team and even if they are playing away against one of the powers of the league the strategy remains the same. The most difficult is being made which is "creating scoring opportunities". 


Maybe yes, the coach can be blamed for not adding an extra midfield against NY and avoid the 5 goals. But damn we really enjoyed the first half! with Montreal outplaying the RedBulls in their fancy arena. I am sure this will cause Marsch to add an extra midfield tonight against Real Salt Lake and avoid another rally that, yes, at the end hurt us the morale. This guy most probably will be Collen Warner which might pair up very good with Bernier, who played an excellent game in NY, and it might free up Felipe a little on the creation side. Me, as long as Justin Mapp and Matteo Ferrari are playing I have no problem to tweak a little the rest of the lineup. A good 4-2-3-1 might do the job. 


We have to be patient, our coach has the best intentions to build this team correctly and I am sure it will bring the best results in the mid-long term. 


So don't go to bed early tonight because game starts at 9pm on TVA Sports. 

Team presentation at Olympic Stadium before the home opener

Tonight we had the chance to watch players presentation in a open house to the fans before the public training. We also had the chance to meet Montreal Olympic Stadium in "MLS mode" before the home opener. It's always impressive to be in such a historic infrastructure all dressed up prepared to receive more than 50,000 fans against Chicago on Saturday.

Training. Olympic Stadium

And of course, the training. I take trainings very seriously since it always reflects the way you see the game, and therefore I looked at this one with very critic eyes specially the 11 vs 11 and the attacking drills.

Nyassi and Wenger in attacking drills

It's always discouraging when substitutes play better than starters and that happened most of the game tonight. I didn't see much of a difference compared in performance with game against Vancouver. Justin Mapp not very bright with the ball, Nyassi erratic and Justin Braun's lack of finish in front of the net.

I liked Arnaud, always sharp and attentive, also Andrew Wenger who had the best flashes of football in the training. We had a chance to see most recent signing Bernardo Corradi. The Italian played with lots of motivation, showed good attack instinct on the box. The details of his international transfer rights remain unknown to me.

Bernardo Corradi

We also saw the injured players sidelined where Camara, Rivas, Ubiparipovic, Montaño, Garcia and also Sebrango only jogged a little.

So, are we prepared to stop the fastest forward in MLS, Dominic Oduro? Can we cancel Marco Pappa's creativity in the midfield? Being these the two stars to watch out closely I also predict Arnaud and Wenger will be involved in the first Montreal Impact's goal in MLS. 


Enjoy an interview, courtesy of impactmontreal.com with Corradi and his current impressions of the training and his availability.

First lesson for Montreal Impact in MLS. Now the home opener

The first two errors in MLS were very expensive and unfortunately for the anxious fans they started early in the game. The Impact lost its first match 2-0 in Vancouver with goals from elite MLS forwards Sebastian LeToux and Camilo.


 




I'm going to analyze game, with the help of the Matchcenter chalkboard, and point out what I think could be improved for the next match.  


My first concern after this game is Justin Braun. The young forward was not at the level we all desired, at least for Jesse Marsch first scheme. He couldn't pivot the attack effectively, he didn't make a shot on goal in all game and he was unable to make a dangerous move or pass to feed the attacking midfielders. Unless Corradi is signed this week, I wouldn't be surprised if Wenger or even Sebrango start the next game.


Many people may argued the decision of Nyassi being chosen as the man of the match for the Impact in that game. Fans were not happy with the inaccuracy on his passing and the turnovers caused but, on the other side, his work rate and footprint on the pitch are undeniable covering twice the space Justin Braun covered. Also the Gambian recovered more balls than any other forward, including Whitecaps' 3 forwards,  and even more than Patrice Bernier who is supposed to lead the team in this category. That being said, we can expect better games for this player and most probably he should be in the starter eleven against Chicago.


Justin Mapp also had a weak performance being second with most unsuccessful passes in the team, one of them led to the second goal of the Whitecaps, and was the only player in the team with zero recoveries during the game something Marsch shouldn't be happy about. My opinion, won't start next game, specially if Sinisa Ubiparipovic is healthy or a chance is given to Lamar Neagle.


The duo Felipe-Bernier was not as effective as it was in preseason but they had a decent game. They rely on the team's offensive performance to look better but they did not dare enough to give them a try. I blame that to the nerves of the first kick but I have no doubt this duo will improve with the time.


The defensive line was very decent, the first goal was a matter of timing and that certainly will improve with time as well. What we should regret is the lack of intensity of Josh Garner in Camilo's goal, he could have done more in that play but overall this back line did many things right, specially when compared with this week LA Galaxy and NY Red Bulls defensive errors in their respective loses.


According to Marsch it won't be much changes in the starter eleven for the home opener and we, as fans, have to be ready to give them a second chance, in the Olympic Stadium,  to make things work. I am sure we will have a different discussion on Saturday evening after the match. 


You can watch the highlights here courtesy of MLSSOCCER.COM








Here are the highlights form the first week in MLS. For me Villar (FC Dallas vs NY) and Espindola (Real Salt Lake vs LA) are the two best goals of the week. 

Impact vs Vancouver, pre-season in Orlando. The reality of an expansion team.

Disney Pro Soccer Classic in Orlando, Florida. Last three preseason games for the Impact. Tonight Montreal played against Vancouver and results did not go the way we wanted. Vancouver won the game 3-0 with goals from Hassli, Mattocks and LeToux (PK). 





Vancouver made us realized we are an expansion team with a lot to learn about how to win matches in this league, and the message has been given by the worst team in the league last season.  


Montreal starter eleven was: Ricketts, Brovsky, Ferrari, Wahl, Gardner, Arnaud, Bernier, Felipe, Neagle, Montaño et Sebrango. 


The Impact was outplayed by the Whitecaps in the first 20 min, after that, midfielders Patrice Bernier, Felipe Martins and Davy Arnaud started pulling the strings to create some danger and that draw me a smile in the face, it was the first time I watched Impact's MLS team,  but unfortunately inspiration was not enough to score a goal. 


Eric Hassli scored in a counter attack so sophisticated that whitecaps Argentinian center back Bonjour went all the way up like "Lucio" to make the cross to the Frenchman. I did not like the Donovan Ricketts reflexes on that shot, I think the ball was close enough to at least make contact. Our back line did not look good on that one.


Honestly, when the first half ended I was hopeful since we were increasing our level in the pitch. Miguel Montano and Lamar Neagle made their efforts with no luck, they just could not outplay Vancouver defense.


The second half was another story. The game didn't improve on quality but Vancouver improve on populating the midfield and being more dangerous when attacking. That way Mattocks, the forward Montreal did not picked on the superdraft, made Impact's back line suffer with his speed. Specially after Shavar Thomas made his appearance as a center back. 


Mattocks scored his goal on the 69" in an impressive acceleration display and killer instinct. Sebastian Le Toux scored his penalty in the 83" and Mike Fuscito had a chance from long distance before the game ended. 

Many questions now are raised, are Valentin, Nyassi and Mapp that important creating opportunities? Since were the ones missing on the team. 

Is our back line deep enough to overcome the injuries? with Camara and Rivas out we really need to sign Ferrari and if possible make Wegner play defense.

Is 4-4-2 the best lineup for the current team? maybe yes with Maap and Nyassi, but without them we need a "trequartista" like Ubiparipovic or the Argentinian Lucas Acosta to make the game more dynamic. 

Here the match highlights, courtesy of impactmontreal.com

Thierry Henry and the New York Red Bulls in Montreal (Kickoff 7:30pm today)

Henry in press conference in Montreal.

Today, the city will have a great appetizer for the next season start in MLS. Not only the best forward of the last 10 years in world football is here in Montreal, but with him is also the most talented team in the Major League Soccer nowadays.

Montreal Impact will play a friendly match against the New York Red Bulls and it will be interesting, after loosing the series against Vancouver Whitecaps in NCC, to see how the team is this time preparing their lines against an elite MLS team.

The Red Bulls are in town and bring the most offensive minded rosters in the circuit, let me present the players that make this well oiled machine be the leaders of the Eastern Conference.

Tim Ream

Tim Ream #5, central back and two times captain of the US Men National Team is the bet for the future of the defensive line in the big apple. Exciting player with one of the best passing completion ratio on his team.

Joel Lindpierre #20, left attacking midfield, last year Red Bulls MVP, creates spaces very easily and offers a skillful left leg that normally overplay most of league defenders.

Dane Richards #19, right midfield, 26 times Jamaican captain, led NY in game winning goals last season and is one the fastest players in the league.

De Rosario

Dwayne De Rosario #11, offensive midfield, 55 times captain of Canada's National Team, 5 times MLS All Star and MLS cup MVP in 2007. DeRo is one of the most awarded players in MLS and is the most recent acquisition of the Red Bulls, coming from his born city Toronto, in order to set the plays for Henry and the rest of the team.

Rafa Marquez #4, central back, ex-FC Barcelona, winner of the record 6 titles in 2009 including UEFA Champions league and La Liga title. The most recognized Mexican captain playing the FIFA World Cup in 2002 Japan and Corea, 2006 Germany and 2010 in South Africa brings all the experience in the defensive line creating a great mix with Tim Ream.

Juan Agudelo #17, the youngest player ever to score with US National Team, the 18 years old has been a sensation lately in the US and the Red Bulls scoring spectacular goals and helping Henry to set the show in the front of the big apple squad.

This is just a short list of great players to watch today in the Saputo Stadium.

For more information you can go to Montreal Impact web page

I hope to see you there.

Montreal Impact says good bye to Champions League again...

Is it just me or since the Impact was a goal close to Concacaf Champions League semifinals in 2009, with the 55.000 fans in the Olympic Stadium, we now feel  no other Canadian club can honor the competition the same way? Toronto FC and Vancouver Whitecaps know they have to make an exceptional continental campaign in order to be remembered the way Montreal is.

Well, last night we could enjoy how can a team with more than three times Montreal's salary budget could not score a goal, in their magic Empire Field, until minute 113 in the overtime. It was also nice to see Montreal playing as the underdogs and dominating ball possession, in the feet of ex-whitecap David Testo, during the first 30 minutes of the game. I admit I really enjoyed it.

At the end of 1st half, the Whitecaps started to explain why they compete in MLS. Davide Chiumiento, a player who back in 2003 substituted Juventus legend Alessandro Del Piero in a UEFA Champions League match against Ajax, pulled Vancouver from all strings and set the attacking pace all over the terrain. Also Russel Teibert, young canadian sensation, helped the Caps bring the attack on the left flank creating all sorts of opportunities and forcing Montreal to the counter attack. On minute 83, after several non conclusive attempts of long balls crosses it was one aimed to Ali Gerba which led to Montreal's penalty kick after a challenge suffered in the zone. This tied the game in aggregate 1-1 and forced the overtime.

Overtime was almost one Vancouver monologue thanks to late substitution in of fresh legs Camilo who led the attack of the Caps. The young Brazilian received a foul very close to Montreal area, which led to Vancouver goal in overtime.

A dramatic finish, for those who always believe in miracles, was set by a fantastic play between Le Gall and Gerba ending with a diving header that hit the post, on minute 120. This would have meant a Montreal direct victory by outscoring the Whitecaps in visitors goals, but history was not on Impact's side that night.

I was very much satisfied with David Testo's performance in the first half. This is the midfield could led the Impact to big wins, but he needs the rest of the team to play more as a group in order to be more effective. I also liked the intensity of Lowery on the midfield, destroying every creation around him. But the best of the night was Nevio Pizzolito, very solid in the back, intimidating and keeping danger away Gaudette's net.

NCC will be another story next year and I hope the MLS fever here in Montreal does not overshadow the beauty of this cup.

NBA sold out crowd in Montreal

What an evening! I enjoyed it more than expected I must say. It was more that a 108-103 Raptors win.

The first impression, the crowd. Thousands of NBA fans all over the Bell Centre with all kinds of NBA apparel shirts and hats, not only Raptors fans but from all around the league. It was impressive how the Stoudemire shirt #1 was already popular when the star has been in Knicks a few months.

Once you are inside the arena the feeling is even better, more than 22.000 fans sheering at every play, every point. The first idea that comes to your mind is why Montreal does not have a NBA team? With a crowd that support with that energy two teams which most probably will not make it to the playoffs is certainly a good sign. But is very different support a team all season long, specially at the same time you support the Canadiens, than go and enjoy an exhibition game. We can see the same effect with soccer and the Montreal Impact which can't take more than 9,000 fans in a semifinals game (we hope that change when in MLS though).

The game was a fun one, even when Raptors seamed to win easily on the 3rd quarter the Knicks recovered the distance and put the game by 4 points with 2 min left. Being able to see an all star like Stoudemire score 24 points in 26 min was just amazing. Also the 11 (8 offensive) rebounds by Evans from the Raptors give a difference in Toronto attack. A 3 pointer with 0,1 sec left from Calderon in the 3rd quarter was also one of the highlights of the night.

At the end we hope that next year we can have more preseason games to continue enjoying the show that the NBA is.